Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention and Safety Tips

One of the essential ingredients of any successful crime prevention program is an informed public. It is the intent of Harford Community College to inform students and staff in a timely manner of any criminal activity or security problem that may pose a reasonable threat to their physical safety.

College Life sponsors crime awareness/prevention programs, including forums on self-defense and lectures on prevention of date rape. Notices of scheduled events are posted on OwlNet, placed in the student newspaper, and published in other schedules of events.

Campus facilities are accessible to students and staff during the College’s normal operating hours. Facilities are opened and monitored during non-operating hours for scheduled special events. When the College is closed, buildings and facilities are secured and inaccessible.

HCC has installed surveillance cameras throughout the campus to enhance safety and security. Additionally, emergency phone lines have been installed in all classrooms. The phones will dial directly to 911 or Public Safety by pressing the corresponding speed dial and should only be used in the event of an emergency. The phones cannot be used to manually dial a phone line and may not receive incoming phone calls.

In the event of a campus emergency, HCC may activate the emergency notification system, HCC AlertMe. Students must keep their contact information updated through OwlNet.

Do not engage in conversation with people who make you feel threatened.

Being alone and under the influence of alcohol and drugs makes you more of a target to assailants.

Lock vehicle and store valuables and books in the trunk or out of sight.

Never leave personal items such as books, purses, computers or electronic equipment unattended anywhere on campus. When possible, leave these items at home or locked in the trunk of your vehicle if they are not needed during work or class.

Walk with others to and from class when possible; there is safety in numbers.

Use well-lit areas and walkways.

When walking to or from your vehicle, scan the area for suspicious subjects. If something makes you uncomfortable, walk to an area where other people are. Call Department of Public Safety for and escort.

If you are confronted be an armed assailant, the decision to comply or resist is a personal one. Any property you may have is not worth your life.

Keep your keys ready when approaching your vehicle to reduce the time it takes to enter.

When driving at night, keep your doors locked and windows up. Check the interior of the vehicle visually before attempting to enter your vehicle.

When stopped at a traffic signal, maintain space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can pull away if necessary.

Trust your intuition.

Escort Services

The Department of Public Safety operates an escort service at all times for use by any person concerned about his or her safety while on campus. To request to be escorted on campus, contact the Department of Public Safety, and remain in a well-lit or populated area while waiting for the Public Safety Officer.